Page 13 - Industrial Technology EXTRA 8th March 2020

sensor with IO-Link connectivity and multiple user-
configurable outputs performs both the required
tasks. Firstly, it initiates a controlled deceleration as
the carriage of a linear stage approaches the
specified workstation; it then switches to
micrometre distance resolution, positioning the
stage accurately and precisely.
Contrinex inductive SMART Sensors are
designed with the needs of OEMs and system
integrators in mind and provide an unobtrusive fit-
and-forget solution. A single metal-cased M12 micrometres, the sensor delivers a highly accurate
sensor is embedded in one of the guide rails 16-bit digital output, enabling the carriage position
immediately adjacent to each workstation. The to be determined in real-time.
sensor detects the presence of the carriage as it Once the initial set-up is completed, each
begins to pass overhead, triggering the deceleration sensor’s configuration is stored automatically on the
and changing the sensing mode. local IO-Link Master; this allows plug-and-play
The sensor now operates as a high-precision replacement of sensors should the need arise,
distance-measurement device; its target is an without any loss of functionality and without any
inclined face on the underside of the carriage. As need for recalibration. These highly versatile sensors
the carriage moves over the sensor, the distance to meet designers’ needs for a highly reliable, cost-
the inclined faces changes in direct proportion to effective and non-complex solution without
the distance moved. With a sensing distance of up compromising operational performance.
to 6mm and a dynamic resolution of ±5.5 www.smart.plusax.co.uk

March 2021 • INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXTRA • p13